Phoenix in the Moonlight

As they entered the house, the eunuch who served at Wang Yifeng's side greeted them. It was a great honor to be acknowledged by him and Xin found herself smiling.

These tricks would work on others, but not on her. She still admired the act. He was trying to act virtuously even though he was taking a mistress? Okay, she would let him act the part.

"Miss, please follow me. I shall show you to your courtyard." Xin nodded and grabbed Mian Mian and Bai'er by their hands and walked them in. Surprisingly, Wang Yifeng was waiting for her there.

He was looking around the place, inspecting to see if it was fit for her.

"You've come," he said. "The young ones can live here. The sun shines brightly in this courtyard and they can play as they wish. There is a small kitchen for you, but you don't need to worry, the kitchen will provide you with food." He looked at the little figures hiding behind Xin.

"Introduce yourselves," Xin coaxed the children.

The little girl peeked out from behind her and stared, wide-eyed at the handsome man.

He had ink-black hair and piercing eyes. His stature was tall and muscular and couldn't be hidden under his clothes. His features were chiseled and striking, showing his maturity and power. Mian Mian clutched onto her Miss' clothes and tugged.

Xin looked back and saw the little girl look at her with wonder in her eyes.

'This little girl, acting like she has never seen a man,' she thought, amused. 'Was he that handsome?' She couldn't help but give his face a look.

Indeed, he was good looking, his body exuded cold, cruelty, and distance. He seemed unreachable and his features struck admiration in others. According to the books of physiognomy, he would be an excellent man in all aspects.

"Mian Mian. Ten-years-old," she said, so unlike her. Wang Yifeng smiled, flattered by the shyness of the little girl.

"Bai." He raised a brow. Wang Yifeng was amused by the shortness of this young man's introduction. Clearly he was displeased by his aunt's decision. Such a young boy, yet he still wanted to protect his family.

"Twins?" he asked Xin. She hummed in response.

"They may look alike, but their personalities are divided by the ocean." The adoration in her eyes for these two was obvious.

Wang Yifeng quickly realized that the way to remain relevant in her life was to treat these children well. It had been his intention from the beginning, but now he was absolutely sure.

That night, Wang Yifeng entered the courtyard and was met with a full house. The waft of delicious food entered his nose and he quickened his pace. He heard the sound of laughing children and the curses coming from Li Jie.

Li Jie was surprisingly good with children, playing with Mian Mian. He even tried to include the silent and brooding Bai'er into the conversation.

Stealthily, he made his way to the kitchen and remained hidden. He watched as she moved around the fire, the sound of plates, pans, and glasses clinking and clattering filled the air. Surprisingly Qing Yuan accompanied Xin in the kitchen and two boys who looked barely five ran around the small space. They had to be Li Jie's children with Qing Yuan. Though he had never met them, he had heard of them occasionally.

On closer look, one of the boys looked five and the other three.

"Seeing how cute these children are, makes you want to have some of your own, doesn't it?" He heard Qing Yuan say. Wang Yifeng's ears perked up.

"You already have two children to take care of, why are you greedy for more?" Xin laughed.

"God knows these two are a handful but Li Jie loves children. He wouldn't mind a few more." Qing Yuan seemed like a nice woman, he guessed. She had been by Li Jie's side for six years and had followed him through all hardships. Wang Yifeng anticipated the day Li Jie would be allowed to bring the woman to his home as more than the mother of his illegitimate children.

Something crashed onto the floor and Xin shouted, startling him. "Stop running! I almost knocked you two over." She shakes her head, her hand on her hips.

Wang Yifeng looked at her with intrigue. She asked feisty in front of him, but he had never seen this motherly side of her.

"Dinner is almost ready. You should go wash up before the Young Master arrives."

Wang Yifeng chuckled under his breath. The two children apologized and ran past him and paid him no mind. He gave up on eavesdropping and entered the kitchen. The sight in front of him was beautiful.

Xin was bent over, reaching for something she had kept on the floor.

"My, my. Look who walked in!" Li Jie shouted from the courtyard. Qing Yuan and Xin swiveled around. Whereas Qing Yuan looked nervous, Xin had nothing but a pleased smile in her eyes.

"Young Master, it is not appropriate for you to enter the kitchen," Xin scolded him gently. He allowed her to reprimand him in this manner. He pushed her out by the shoulder, making him laugh gutturally.

The tables were set and everyone sat without order.